Moving to France was, in part, a way of stepping out of our way of life. The current had become too strong - too many things to feel beholden to, too much on our plates, too many expectations for achievement and too many demands for our time. Most of this, of course, had been self-inflicted. It was also reinforced by the cultural norms that have us continually striving for “more.”
We are very lucky to be able to make this choice, to have the flexibility in terms of our work, to have supportive families and generous friends who have helped us make this a reality.
I am not running around in a constant state of getting ready for whatever is next on the docket, making sure the right uniform is clean, the meals are made and/or packed, the meeting is scheduled and the agenda written, everyone is in the car or dropped off or picked up on time.
Instead, I take the time to go for a walk through the orchards. The kids are home enough to help out with chores consistently. We eat our meals together. We find time for board games, snuggling up on the couch together to read, family bike rides and outings.
Of course, we still get on each others nerves, so there is still bickering and nagging and arguments. But none of that is happening while also being out of breath!
I am not nearly as frazzled (although receiving the school supply list in a foreign language four days before school started did put me into a bit of a tizzy), and I find myself thinking more clearly.
I have more patience with my family, and I am taking better care of myself.
What it comes down to, I realize, is being more present. Instead of thinking ahead about all that needs to happen on a given day - all the moving parts, all the taxiing - I am able to focus on the present moment.
And it is so precious.
I learned this morning that a friend’s mom passed away over the weekend. Unexpectedly and too soon by anyone’s standards.
Just like that - all has changed.
Witnessing someone’s grief reminds me to appreciate what is with me now in this moment.
It is so precious.
What is present with you in this moment? What is the impact of focusing on what is here now?
We are very lucky to be able to make this choice, to have the flexibility in terms of our work, to have supportive families and generous friends who have helped us make this a reality.
I am not running around in a constant state of getting ready for whatever is next on the docket, making sure the right uniform is clean, the meals are made and/or packed, the meeting is scheduled and the agenda written, everyone is in the car or dropped off or picked up on time.
Instead, I take the time to go for a walk through the orchards. The kids are home enough to help out with chores consistently. We eat our meals together. We find time for board games, snuggling up on the couch together to read, family bike rides and outings.
Of course, we still get on each others nerves, so there is still bickering and nagging and arguments. But none of that is happening while also being out of breath!
I am not nearly as frazzled (although receiving the school supply list in a foreign language four days before school started did put me into a bit of a tizzy), and I find myself thinking more clearly.
I have more patience with my family, and I am taking better care of myself.
What it comes down to, I realize, is being more present. Instead of thinking ahead about all that needs to happen on a given day - all the moving parts, all the taxiing - I am able to focus on the present moment.
And it is so precious.
I learned this morning that a friend’s mom passed away over the weekend. Unexpectedly and too soon by anyone’s standards.
Just like that - all has changed.
Witnessing someone’s grief reminds me to appreciate what is with me now in this moment.
It is so precious.
What is present with you in this moment? What is the impact of focusing on what is here now?
 | Jessica Curtis is a professional coach who helps people cultivate intention and live from a place of meaning and authenticity. If you think you could benefit from working with Jessica or want to invite her to work with your group, reach out to start a conversation. |
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